These dogs have the capacity of if adapting to any climate. However cold climates are very good, after all they love the cold. The two types of coat have the same resistance to the cold. They also adapt very well to the hot climates since that during the hours of bigger heat they have a place to take shelter . In hot day they need some shadow

» How should i feed this dogs ?

These dogs can be weird when talking of food. When they lived with the shepherd they share with the him their reduced food. They like natural food very much (bred, raw meat), and are capable to hunt its food. They are dogs that also drink much water. In these days, if used from young age they get well with industrial food. Also these dogs, some times "fast" themselves, not eating for some days.

» How much exercise needs?

These dogs need moderate exercise, because the have great vitality. If you live in a small house they must have the chance to take a walk every day . Also they love to play and run. However, as any big dog, do not over-exercise your dog before the 24 month !

» How long do they live ?

An Estrela Mountain Dog will live between 12 to 16 years .

» Do they have hereditary illnesses?

It is a very healthful breed, however can suffer from the hip dysphasia . They are a healthful breed and very resistant to illnesses.

» Do they like to play ??

Yes, with their family they love to play.. Note that young dogs can rough in their games , and inadvertently hurt somebody.

» Are they agile ?

Very much, it is a dog that in spite of their size they have great agility, capable to reach considerable speeds and to jump quite high.

» Which the best house for the Estrela Mountain Dog?

They are great as farm dogs or livestock dogs. Also as city guard dog/family dogs. It is not a dog for apartments or a company dogs like a poodle, They are working dogs.

» Are they good family dogs ?

Yes, without doubts, since that they have some space (hard to keep in a flat), they will be a dog that will love and protect your family.

» They are docile with the family?

Without any doubts, they love to play, to smooch and protect they family

» And what about strangers ?

They are for nature very distrustful with strangers. If they are invited, the dog accepted them, but in general they keeps a certain distance. If the strangers is a threat they will act in order to keep their family safe.

» How is their relations with other family pets?

If presented since young age, the Estrela will accept them and protect them, just like another members. However, with other dogs of the same sex problems may appear.

» Do they make much noise?

When they detect something out of the normal they bark to inform that that is his territory. Also during their patrols it they bark to announce their presence.

» Are they good guarding dogs ?

Without any doubts. They are between the best ones of the world. When something is left at his guard, nothing will happens! They will give without hesitation his life protecting Its territory, flock or family . It is extremely aggressive to any threat !

» Are they herding dogs ?

No ! These dogs do not lead the flocks (as border-collies), but yes protect them.

» Are they candidates for high levels of obedience?

In general not, because they are independent dogs and a little stubborn. They can also be slow in respond to your commands However exceptions do exists

» Do they like water?

For amazing that may seems, they like water. They do enjoy lying in some water puddle .

» Can i have more than one Estrela Mountain Dog ?

Yes! These dogs, even dominant, work well in group

» They are good dogs for dog sports like RCI or ring?

I would say that not. These dogs will protected with his life any member of its family, however to do these sports a dog must have high levels of obedience, and the Estrela is not the best.

» Can it be used as a hunting dog?

Some of these dogs work as hunting dogs for large animals like the wolf, wild boar and deer.

» Do they have a great or small resistance to pain?

These dogs have a great resistance to pain.

» Fenced yards ?

A must !! Without the fenced yard the Estrela Mountain Dog , will be able to run away, patrol your garden and the street ( public street ! ), and considering the street as its property, it will defend and can attack somebody that pass on that street. These dogs should never be tied up, they need to interact and do someting

» Is this a breed for walks in the park without a leash ??

Not! It is a very independent dog, that may ignore when you call it. He also may interpret a man running or a dog like a threat and attack. The best thing is always to have the dog on leash.

» Should a first time owner buy a Estrela Mountain Dog ?

Not, because the Estrela Mountain Dog can be dominant and difficult to control for a person who have no experience with dogs

» Where should i buy a Estrela mountain Dog ?

Always in a registed Kennel and ask for HD results and show results

» What is the biggest danger that this breed faces ?

Being transformed in one big teddy bear ...

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